Escalating Conflict: Middle East on Edge Following Coordinated US-Israel Strikes and Iranian Retaliation

Kathmandu. Violence has spread across the Middle East, and the region is facing a serious crisis following a series of coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, prompting a retaliatory response from Tehran.

Attacks targeted key government and symbolic locations in Iran's capital, Tehran, including the state broadcaster and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The death toll, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly exceeded 700.  

While Washington has warned that 'major strikes' are yet to come, Tehran has intensified its counter-response by closing the Strait of Hormuz and attacking US and allied bases across the region, including energy hubs.

The situation so far is as follows:

In Iran

• Damage to Key Tehran Sites: Recent attacks in the capital, Tehran, have damaged the 'Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting' (IRIB) complex. The historic Golestan Palace, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, was also damaged in the attack.
• Possibility of Further Attacks: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the harshest strikes against Iran are yet to come.
• Continuous Military Action: President Trump has stated that the attacks on Iran will continue until all of America's objectives are met.

• US and Israel Clarification: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the attacks, stating they were aimed at weakening Iran's navy and ending its nuclear and missile ambitions.
• Strait of Hormuz: Iran's 'Revolutionary Guard Corps' has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and threatened to set fire to any vessel attempting to pass through.
• Death Toll: According to Iranian state media, citing the Iranian Red Crescent, at least 787 people have died in Iran, including Supreme Leader Khamenei. Additionally, Iranian media reported that at least 165 people were killed in a US-Israeli attack on a girls' school in southern Iran.

In Gulf Nations

• Qatar: This Gulf nation faced direct military impact, destroying dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones in the air. Although most were stopped, two missiles struck the 'Al Udeid Air Base' housing US forces, and one drone hit the early warning system. Furthermore, the Qatari Air Force shot down two Iranian fighter jets heading towards the country, and several explosions were heard in Doha's skies. On Monday, Qatar Energy, the world's largest LNG producer, announced a halt in production following the Iranian attack.
• Kuwait: Three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait. The US military claimed the planes were downed by mistake. Videos released on Monday showed the tail section of a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet catching fire and smoking as it crashed. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kuwait issued a statement on Tuesday announcing the embassy's closure until further notice due to the ongoing regional tensions.
• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia destroyed eight drones near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. Additionally, at least two drone attacks targeted the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing minor fires. The US Embassy was closed on Tuesday, and all regular and emergency services were canceled.
• Mass Evacuation of US Citizens: The US State Department urged its citizens to leave the Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, immediately via commercial flights due to rising violence.
• Continuous Risk to US Assets: Tehran is continuously attacking US military and strategic assets throughout the Gulf region.
• Limited Flight Resumption in UAE: Dubai's airport authority stated on Monday that it had permitted a small number of flights to resume operations for international passengers from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central Airport, which are among the world's busiest.

In Israel:

• Defense Against Iranian Retaliation: The Israeli military confirmed identifying missiles launched from Iran. Israeli air defense systems are actively working to thwart these attacks. Israel also successfully destroyed two drones launched from Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed its recent missile attacks on Israel were a legitimate response against 15 months of Israeli aggression and violations of the 2024 ceasefire agreement.
• Netanyahu Defends Military Action Against Iran: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, claiming that Iran's new underground bunkers could become impenetrable within a few months. Speaking to Fox News, he stated that this would be a swift and decisive action, and ultimately, the responsibility for regime change lies with the Iranian people.

In the United States:

• Casualties: Six US soldiers were killed, and 18 were injured. Trump stated that the US would respond to the attack soon, although he indicated there was no need to deploy ground troops.
• Clear Objective, But Not a Multi-Year Conflict: Vice President JD Vance emphasized that the President's primary objective is to fundamentally change the mindset of the Iranian regime and ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.
• Evacuation Warning: Due to serious security risks, the US State Department continues to urge its citizens to leave most parts of the Middle East immediately using commercial flights.

In Lebanon and Jordan:

• Intensified Action in Lebanon: The Israeli military issued an urgent evacuation order for 59 areas in Lebanon (mainly in the south). The army warned residents there to stay at least 1,000 meters away from their villages due to Hezbollah activities.
• Warning of Widespread Evacuation: As a result of the escalating regional conflict, the US State Department issued an urgent directive calling on American citizens to leave Israel, the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and many other Middle Eastern nations immediately.
• US Embassy in Jordan Vacated: The US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, temporarily evacuated all personnel from its compound, citing insurmountable security challenges.